Is Julio Jones Healthy or Injured? Will Jones Be Active in Week 2?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Julio Jones made his debut with his new team in Week 1. However, as practices progressed leading up to Week 2, an injury cast some doubt on the veteran wide receiver's availability for this Sunday.

Now, as the Buccaneers take on the New Orleans Saints, some fantasy managers may be looking to insert Jones into their Week 2 lineups.

Will Jones play in Week 2? Should you start Jones or Russell Gage in fantasy football? Below, we answer these questions and more.

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Is Julio Jones Injured or Playing in Week 2?

Jones did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday due to a knee injury. However, he was able to log a limited practice session on Friday. On one hand, his absences early in the week were concerning. On the other hand, though, it was promising to see him practice in some capacity to close out the week.

Jones entered the weekend with a "questionable" designation. Even on Sunday morning, he was expected to be a game-time decision, with his availability largely dependent on how he felt during pregame warmups.

Now, the Buccaneers have released their official list of inactives and it includes Jones. The veteran wideout officially won't suit up against the Saints in Week 2.

Russell Gage Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 2

Not only is Jones sidelined, but Chris Godwin (hamstring) is also inactive this week. As a result, Russell Gage will operate as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Mike Evans. Breshad Perriman, Jaleon Darden, and Scotty Miller should also see an increase in snaps.

Gage signed with the Buccaneers this offseason after being personally recruited by Tom Brady. Evidently, the former Atlanta Falcon earned the legendary quarterback's trust and will have a chance to capitalize on that in Week 2.

Gage should be viewed as a low-end WR3 against the Saints this week. Mike Evans remains the alpha, but with limited depth at wide receiver and a thin tight end room, Gage will have to get involved early and often. He should see a massive increase in reps after logging a 42 percent snap share, two catches, and 13 yards last week.

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